MLS' designated player rule allows big-name acquisitions

The Earthquakes new acquisition, Matias Perez Garcia, carries the designated player label, a confusing component of Major League Soccer's salary structure.

In order to elevate MLS's profile by attracting big-name players, officials in 2007 created the guideline, also known as the David Beckham rule. It now allows teams to acquire up to three players whose salaries exceed the $3.1-million salary cap. Designated player slots can be used to acquire players new to MLS or to retain current MLS players, subject to league approval.

In 2014, a designated player who is more than 23 carries a salary budget charge of $387,500, or $193,750 if the player joined the club in the middle of the season such as Perez Garcia.